Diffusion
An example of a photograph of a person taken using a diffusion filter. A diffusion filter (also called a softening filter) softens subjects and generates a dreamy haze (see photon diffusion). This is most often used for portraits. However, this also has the effect of reducing contrast, and the filters are designed, labeled, sold, and used for that purpose too. There are many ways of accomplishing this effect, and As a result filters from different manufacturers vary significantly. The two primary approaches are to use some form of grid or netting in the filter, or to use something which is transparent but not optically sharp.
Both effects can be achieved in software, which can provide a very precise degree of control of the level of effect, however the "look" may be noticeably different. Additionally, if there is too much contrast in a scene, the dynamic range of the digital image sensor or film may be exceeded, which post-processing cannot compensate for, so contrast reduction at the time of image capture may be called for.
Transparent diffusion
Zeiss manufactures a widely noted Softar diffusion filter which is made of many tiny globs of acrylic deposited on one surface which act as microlenses to diffuse the light. In some versions the globs are on the inside of the filter (facing the photographer) while on others they face outwards (towards the subject). In various versions the globs vary in number and diameter, from approximately 97 to 150 globs each 1 mm to 3 mm wide.
Homebrew approaches to transparent diffusion filters are generally based on modifying a clear or UV filter by placing various materials on it; the most popular choices are petroleum jelly, optical cement, and nail polish. Transparent filters are more commonly used for the "dreamy" or "misty" effect than for contrast reduction.
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Diffusion Filters |
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The Cokin Color Diffuser filter consists of two pieces of different colored acetate foils. These foils measure 25 x 25cm each and can be cut to fit the Cokin filter holder. Diffusion is created by the resulting reflections from the colored crinkled foils. These acetates can be made into center spot filters by cutting a hole in the middle. The size of the hole will determine the intensity of the diffusion effect. The object photographed will appear to be surrounded by many colors blending into each other.
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Cokin Colored Diffusers
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Colour Diffuser Ref. 082.
Set of two metallized films with different and variable
colours to create a romantic diffusion. The more the filter
is ซwrinkledป, the more intense is the diffusion. To use
with a COKIN Gelatine-holder (ref.194, not included).
Sizes available
A Series
P Series Check availability & current prices at Amazon
B&H Photo
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Cold Color Diffuser Ref. 088
Controls bright lights, and surrounds your subjects with a soft and
gentle atmosphere. Lends your pictures those blue tones beneficial to
portraits and still-life work.
Sizes available
A Series
P Series
Check availability & current prices at
Amazon
B&H Photo
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Cold Color Diffuser
Ref. 089.
Controls bright lights, and surrounds your subjects with a soft and
gentle atmosphere. Lends your pictures orange tones.
Sizes available
A Series
P Series
Check availability & current prices at
Amazon
B&H Photo
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Sunsoft Ref. 694. Diffuser filter combined with a strong warm-up effect similar to
suntan. Ideal for professional Portrait Sizes available
A Series
P Series
Z-Pro Series
X-Pro Series
Check availability & current prices at Amazon
B&H Photo
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Champagne Ref. 695
Diffuser filter combined with flesh dye.
Sizes available
A Series
P Series
Check availability & current prices at Amazon
B&H Photo
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SoftWarm Ref. 696. Mixing of warm tone 027 and light diffuser 820. Great for portrait as
it corrects the small defects of the skin. The diffusion effect is
subbtle so that you don’t realize a filter was used. Sizes available
A Series
P Series
Z-Pro Series
X-Pro Series
Check availability & current prices at Amazon
B&H Photo
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Cokin Diffuser and Pastel filters bring a gentle and romantic atmosphere to your photos. They allow a more gentle and subtle interpretation of your subjects, far removed from aggressive lighting, bright color and the opposition of contrasts. The effect of Diffuser and Pastel filters may be described as follows: softens, controls, diminishes, blurs, filters....
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Cokin Colorless Diffusers
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Diffuser
Light Ref. 820
The lightest diffuser. Improves the skin grain without
showing the use of filter. For professional use.
Sizes available
A Series
P Series
Z-Pro Series
X-Pro Series. Check availability & current prices at
Amazon
B&H Photo
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Diffuser 1 Ref. 830. Diffuses strong light without affecting the clarity of the image up
to about 135 mm focal length and eliminates small skin defects. Ideal
for portrait and still-life work. Sizes available
A Series
P Series
Z-Pro Series
X-Pro Series
Check availability & current prices at Amazon
B&H Photo
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Diffuser 2 Ref. 840
More accentuated effect than 830. Sizes available
A Series
P Series
Z-Pro Series
X-Pro Series. Check availability & current prices at Amazon
B&H Photo
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Diffuser 3 Ref. 850
Strong diffusion effect. Ideal for nude photography and romantic
shots.
Sizes available A Series
P Series
Z-Pro Series
X-Pro Series
Check availability & current prices at Amazon
B&H Photo
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Cokin Pastels
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Pastel 1 Ref. 086. Softens the image by applying a white dream touch. Gives a nice
romantic atmosphere which enhances the photograph. Great for shooting
people in outdoor scenery - density 1 Sizes available
A Series
Z-Pro Series
X-Pro Series
Check availability & current prices at Amazon
B&H Photo |
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Pastel 2 Ref. 087. Softens the image by applying a white dream touch. Gives a nice
romantic atmosphere which enhances the photograph. Great for
shooting people in outdoor scenery - density 2 Sizes available
A Series
P Series
Z-Pro Series
X-Pro Series
Check availability & current prices at Amazon
B&H Photo |
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 BLACK DIFFUSION/FXฎ - A unique optical construction that produces the most advanced diffuser effect ever developed by Tiffen. Creates a soft focus look that is hard to detect that a filter was even utilized. Unsurpassed features for people images in suppressing facial blemishes and wrinkles, while maintaining a dear, focused image. Gives a silky-smooth look to textured surfaces. Eliminates unwanted details without achieving a "dull" or "fuzzy" look. Slightly subdues highlights while producing only a bare minimum of light flare. The Black Diffusion FX offers a "Very Subtle" softening look even at its greatest #5 density. The lighter densities are often utilized to obtain the "Film Look" in video. Available in densities 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1-5. Light Loss: 1/3 f:stop
Check availability & current prices at
Amazon
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 GOLD DIFFUSION FXฎ - Combines all of the subtle soft focus qualities of the Black Diffusion FX filter while adding a special golden warmth to the scene. Neutral colors appear to be minimally affected, while cool colors and skin tones are slightly warmed and softened. The degree of warmth remains constant throughout all of the densities. Available in densities 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1-5. Light Loss: 1/3f:stop
Check availability & current prices at
Amazon |
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SOFT FXฎ - Has a pattern of tiny lenslets designed specifically to put fine image elements, like wrinkles and skin blemishes, out of focus while leaving larger details such as eyes, sharp. Lighter densities are very subtle. Offers virtually no reduction in contrast. Produces some degree of flare depending on the lighting condition. Compared to the Black Diffusion FX, the Soft FX offers a greater softening effect and a higher degree of halation. Available in densities 1/2, 1-5. Light Loss: 0 f:stop.
Check availability & current prices at Amazon |
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WARM SOFT FXฎ - Combination filter containing a Soft FX effect combined with a Warm 812. Produces a warm soft focus look that is ideal in rendering healthy appearing skin tones. Different from a Gold Diffusion FX in that the softening effect is not as subtle and the added warming effect offers a slightly reddish tone as compared the Gold DFX's golden tone. The degree of warmth remains constant throughout all of the densities. Available in densities 1/2, 1-5. (A Warm Soft FX effect can be achieved by combining a neutral Soft FX filter "stacked" with a Warm 812 filter.) Light Loss: 1/3 f:stop.
Check availability & current prices at Amazon |
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Glimmerglass - First series of filters with a psychological edge. Softens fine details in a unique manner while adding a mild glow to highlights. As contrast is also reduced, the look is one of enhanced beauty. Glass has a distinct sparkle that makes people feel more confident in the knowledge that the filter is working for them and they may also turn in a better performance. Available in grades 1-5.
Check availability & current prices at Amazon |
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Diffusion Filters at
Adorama, Amazon,
B&H Photo Video
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Camera filters are transparent or translucent optical elements that alter the properties of light entering the camera lens for the purpose of improving the image being recorded. Filters can affect contrast, sharpness, highlight flare, color, and light intensity, either individually, or in various combinations. They can also create a variety of "special effects." It is important to recognize that, even though there are many possibly confusing variations and applications, all filters behave a reasonably predictable way when their properties are understood and experienced. Most of these properties related similarly to filter use in both film and video imaging. The following will explain the basic optical characteristics of certain types of camera filters, as well as their applications. It is a foundation upon which to build by experience. Textual data cannot fully inform. There is always something new out there.
In their most successful applications, filter effects blend in with the rest of the image to help get the message across. Use caution when using a filter in a way that draws attention to itself as an effect. Combined with all the other elements of image-making, filters make visual statements, manipulate emotions and thought, and make believable what otherwise would not be. They get the viewer involved.
Filter Planning
Filter effects can become a key part of the "look" of a production, if considered in the planning stages. They can also provide a crucial last-minute fix to unexpected problems, if you have them readily available. Where possible, it is best to run advance tests for pre-conceived situations when time allows.
Filter Factors
Many filter types absorb light that must be compensated for when calculating exposure. These are supplied with either a recommended "filter factor" or a "stop value." Filter factors are multiples of the unfiltered exposure. Stop values are added to the stop to be set without the filter. Multiple filters will add stop values. Since each stop added is a doubling of the exposure, a filter factor of 2 is equal to a one stop increase. Example: three filters of one stop each will need three additional stops, or a filter factor of 2x2x2= 8 times the unfiltered exposure.
When in doubt in the field about compensation needed for a filter that you have no information on, you might use your light meter with the incident bulb removed. If you have a flat diffuser, use it, otherwise just leave the sensor bare. Aim it at an unchanging light source of sufficient intensity. On the ground, face up at a blank sky can be a good field situation. Make a reading without the filter. Watch out for your own shadow. Make a reading with the filter covering the entire sensor. No light should enter from the sides. The difference in the readings is the compensation needed for that filter. You could also use a spot meter, reading the same bright patch, with similar results. There are some exceptions to this depending on the filter color, the meter sensitivity, and the target color, but this is often better than taking a guess.
Filter Grades
Many filter types are available in a range of "grades" of differing strengths. This allows the extent of the effect to be tailored to suit various situations. The grade numbering range can vary with the effect type, and generally, the higher the number, the stronger the effect. Unless otherwise stated, there is no mathematical relationship between the numbers and the strengths. A grade 4 is not twice the strength of a grade 2. A grade 1 plus a grade 4 doesn't add up to a grade 5.
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